Sharadendu Bali*

Professor General Surgery, TMMC, TMU, Moradabad, U.P., India

*Corresponding Author: Sharadendu Bali, Professor General Surgery, TMMC, TMU, Moradabad, U.P., India.

Received: June 11, 2024; Published: June 20, 2024

Abstract

Anulom-Vilom (AV) is a very simple breathing drill (pranayam) that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Besides being easy, it also requires very little energy. It is perhaps because of its very simplicity that it has been given little importance in past studies on pranayam, a system of numerous Yogic breathing exercises. In recent years, the physiological effects of practicing AV have been studied in great detail. The beneficial effects range from stabilization of the heart rate, improved pulmonary function, decrease in anxiety levels and better digestion to increased cognition and mental concentration. These improvements are attributed to the enhancement of parasympathetic activity through the slow, regulated breathing patterns characteristic of AV pranayama.

Additionally, AV, also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB), enhances the functionality of alveoli, the small air sacs within the lungs, by promoting the release of surfactants which lower surface tension in the alveoli, thereby allowing the alveoli to expand fully. This results in increased vital capacity and breath holding times. In addition, the power of the muscles participating in breathing, namely the intercostal muscles and diaphragm, is also increased by AV. All these improvements in cardio-respiratory function and central nervous system activity result in increased energy levels and an enhanced feeling of well being.

 Keywords: Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB); Anulom Vilom; Pranayam

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Citation

Citation: Sharadendu Bali. “Rationale of Anulom Vilom, the Practice of Alternate Nostril Breathing”.Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 8.7 (2024): 176-184.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2024 Sharadendu Bali. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.